In a historic milestone for real estate leadership and advocacy, Dr. Marvetta Bozeman, Leader of Team DeVoe at eXp Realty, coach and housing advocate, was installed in January as the incoming president of the Empire Board of Realtists (EBR) in front of a standing-room-only crowd in Atlanta.
The event was co-emceed by Ronnie DeVoe and April Ryan, bringing star power and heartfelt connections to the occasion. DeVoe, a founding member of the iconic groups New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, is also Marvetta’s business partner at eXp Realty’s Team DeVoe, where they are known as “the Wonder Twins of Real Estate.” Joining him as co-emcee was Marvetta’s close friend and Delta Sigma Theta sorority sister, April Ryan, a renowned journalist from CNN.
(Read more about Marvetta’s incredible life here.)
Distinguished guests were in attendance, including Marvetta’s longtime mentor, Dr. Dennis Kimbro, who is a best-selling author and expert on leadership, wealth, and success.
Banking executives and corporate lending leaders flew in for the event, including Cerita Battles from JP Morgan Chase and Sahaad Washington from Rate, the second-largest retail mortgage lender in the country.
As one of the oldest founding chapters of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the Empire Board is the oldest Black trade organization in the United States, established in Atlanta in 1939.
With over eight decades of legacy, EBR’s mission of “Democracy in Housing” has been a cornerstone of promoting fair and equitable access to homeownership for Black and brown communities.
A Vision Rooted in Advocacy and Legacy
For Marvetta, stepping into this leadership role is both humbling and inspiring.
“It feels amazing, but it’s also a big responsibility,” she shared. “Our history is so rich. Atlanta has always been at the forefront of equitable housing. To stand on the shoulders of the many leaders who came before me is truly a ‘wow’ moment.”
Marvetta’s leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in community advocacy, financial literacy, and generational wealth-building. A passionate coach and advocate, she focuses on empowering individuals to see homeownership not just as a milestone, but as a tool to transform communities.
“We work to change mindsets. For many people of color, homeownership hasn’t always felt attainable. We’re here to say, ‘Yes, it is possible for you.’”
Tackling Today’s Challenges
Under Marvetta’s leadership, the Empire Board is doubling down on addressing the unique challenges faced by Black and brown communities. From pushing financial literacy to conducting workshops on preserving inherited properties – affectionately called “What To Do With Big Mama’s House” – the Board is committed to protecting generational assets and creating affordable housing opportunities.
“Our numbers in homeownership are still different from those of our colleagues in other communities,” Marvetta explained. “That’s why we focus so heavily on training, development, and advocacy – because we’re not just trying to sell homes; we’re building wealth for generations.”
The eXp Team Behind the Mission
Marvetta leads with a collaborative spirit, emphasizing that her work would not be possible without a dedicated team. “I have an amazing executive team, including several eXp Realty professionals who are chairs, committee leaders, or members of our board. This work is not something I could ever do alone.”
The team includes eXp Realty agents LaToya Griffin, Dr. Bertina Banks, Terri and Calvin Gleaton, Karen Johnson, Bilal K. Shareef, Sharon Henry, Passion McCaleb and Jazyln Williams, all of whom bring their expertise and passion to the organization.
eXp Realty Deeply Rooted in the Empire Connection
Marvetta’s election highlights eXp Realty’s deep roots in the Empire Board of Realtists (EBR) and its ongoing commitment to advancing the mission of NAREB and EBR. eXp Realty has become a central hub for influential real estate leaders with strong ties to these historic organizations.
eXp Realty has seen multiple past presidents and national leaders such as Bilial K. Shareef, Michele Calloway, Sharon Henry, and Karen Johnson proudly part of EBR, helping to serve as a bridge between the rich legacy of advocacy for fair housing and the modern innovation shaping the real estate industry today.
“The concentration of leadership from the Empire Board and NAREB within eXp Realty is not a coincidence,” noted Calvin Gleaton, co-founder of The Wealthy Group at eXp Realty. “It reflects our commitment to fostering an environment where professionals can thrive while promoting equality in real estate.”
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Marvetta plans to build on the Empire Board’s storied legacy by expanding initiatives such as the Developers Academy, which trains real estate professionals to create and revitalize communities, and continuing the fight for fair housing at local and national levels.
“Our work is never done,” Marvetta said. “We’re here to make sure that everyone – not just some – has access to housing and the opportunity to build wealth. It’s God’s work, and we’re honored to do it.”
